St. Johnstone-Hibernian – Premiership 2023/2024 Statistical Preview
St Johnstone boss Craig Levein named an unchanged Saints side following a wonderful 2-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road, before a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in their last Scottish Premiership match the weekend before last.
Dimitar Mitov continued behind a back three of Luke Robinson, Andy Considine and Ryan McGowan. Tony Gallacher and David Keltjens carried on at left wing-back and right wing-back respectively. Max Kucheriavyi, Dan Phillips and Matt Smith remained as the midfield trio. Nicky Clark and Adama Sidibeh were chosen as Saints’ strike duo, but failed to net in their last game at home against Kilmarnock.
Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery made two changes to the Hibees’ starting eleven after Hibs’ 2-1 defeat to St Johnstone at Easter Road, before they missed out on the top six after being held in a 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park.
David Marshall continued in goal behind a back four consisting of Jordan Obita, Rocky Bushiri, Will Fish and Chris Cadden. Joe Newell was joined by Nathan Moriah-Welsh as Nectarios Triantis missed out through illness. Élie Youan also entered the starting eleven, on the left hand side of midfield. Martin Boyle started on the right hand side with Emiliano Marcondes supporting Myziane Maolida, who was chosen to lead the line as Adam Le Fondre dropped onto the bench.
Match Facts
Sponsored Under 2.5 goals 1.80
Prediction
St Johnstone host Hibernian at McDiarmid Park, with Saints hoping to steer to safety and Hibs hoping to finish the Scottish Premiership season as strongly as they can.
Saints sit just one point above Ross County, as the Staggies currently occupy the relegation playoff place, and have five games to try and keep their heads above water. Three defeats in four Scottish Premiership matches isn’t the most inspiring form to enter the split in, but the exception within that quartet was a victory over Hibs at Easter Road and they’ll hope for another win here.
Hibernian will hope to solidify a seventh place finish, but that’s still a poor return when you consider the size and stature of the club, along with their resources and facilities. It’s bound to be a summer of change at Easter Road with playing personnel, whether coaching personnel shall stay put remains to be seen.
For Hibs, there’s no real pressure heading into these last five matches. Defeat to St Johnstone at Easter Road essentially cost Hibs a place in the top six and, given Saints are scrapping for their Premiership lives, a second league defeat to them in Perth wouldn’t be too much of a shock.
